Bunions are a real “nightmare” for those who have them and getting rid of them can be even worse. Here is one recipe and four natural cures for bunions so that you can avoid surgery and begin to better about your feet.

Bunions are large bony bumps caused by abnormal growth of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions are salt deposits and the formation can be triggered by the flu, tonsillitis, gout, poor metabolism, improper nutrition, rheumatic infection, or by wearing uncomfortable shoes.

Here are some natural remedies you can use to relieve yourself of these annoying bunions.

Olive OilWarm some olive oil and massage the bunion and your entire foot for about fifteen minutes twice a day. The massage enhances circulation and increases blood flow to the foot and toes and encourages the synovial fluid to move around the bones. This movement of the synovial fluid will lubricate the joints, dissolving the outer layers of excess calcium, gradually diminishing the size of the bunion.

Red PepperRed pepper is full of capsaicin which eliminates the nerves of the compounds that cause pain and discomfort. Cut one red pepper in half and rub its juice directly onto the bunion. Smear a tiny bit of petroleum jelly on the top of the bunion and tie a clean cloth gauze over like a bandage. Repeat two times a day. Apply the pepper on a small area of the skin first to make sure it does not irritate the skin. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after each application.

Castor OilCastor oil is full of anti-inflammatory properties which are very effective in reducing the swelling and diminishing pain. Put half a cup of castor oil in a pan and heat it until it is warm. Dip a thin cotton cloth into the oil and wrap the cloth around the bunion. Cover the compress with a towel so that the heat cannot escape. The heat will stimulate blood flow to the area that is affected. This will relieve soreness. Repeat three times a day until the pain is gone.

Epson SaltEpson salt contains magnesium sulfate which minimizes inflammation and pain. Dissolve half a cup of Epson salt into a small tub or bucket of hot water and soak your foot in it for twenty minutes. Use this soak at least two times a day regularly. The salts will start decalcifying the joint and diminishing the size of the bunion.

Powerful Recipe

OralWith this simple but powerful recipe, you will get rid of your bunions in no time!

Pour 10 0z (300 ml) of water over a tablespoon of crushed bay leaves. Cook for five minutes and keep the solution in a thermos overnight.

Strain the liquid and take small sips throughout the day. It is important to remember not to drink this remedy all at once.

Do this every day for three days. Make sure you make a fresh drink each day. Repeat the treatment after a week.

You might notice that you will have to pee more frequently. This is normal and shows that the salt in your body is dissolving.

You should notice an improvement after ten days. Joint pain will begin to disappear and you will begin to feel much better.

TopicalThis bay leaf treatment should last for 2 months and your bunions should eventually disappear.

Finely crush five large bay leaves and pour in 100 ml of 96% alcohol. Let sit for a week, then strain.

Soak your feet in warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda added. Then apply this solution to your bunions.

Ariana Marisolis a contributing staff writer for REALfarmacy.com. She is an avid nature enthusiast, gardener, photographer, writer, hiker, dreamer, and lover of all things sustainable, wild, and free. Ariana strives to bring people closer to their true source, Mother Nature. She is currently finishing her last year at The Evergreen State College getting her undergraduate degree in Sustainable Design and Environmental Science. Follow her adventures on Instagram.